Tina and Yvonne are two local Kent-based entrepreneurs who have both been supported by Community Catalysts to get their new community enterprises launched. Here they each share what motivated them to set up on their own, and the valuable guidance they received from their local Catalyst.
Alongside personal experience, including supporting her son with his learning disability, Tina has been working in the care sector for over six years and is really passionate about supporting people to be as independent as possible and to live a good life.
Tina heard about the development programme being run by Community Catalysts and gave her local Community Catalyst a call. Tina was interested in setting up her own community enterprise because she was aware of the challenges she faced when trying to find support for her son, and holds a desire to support as many people as she can to do the things that matter to them.
The local Community Catalyst worked closely with Tina to help bring her community enterprise idea into a reality. She offered help around understanding regulation, marketing support, signposting to specialist advice and developing policies and procedures.
“[The local Community Catalyst] has helped me to get all of my paperwork in place to ensure my service is safe, sustainable and legal. I am so excited and can’t thank her enough for her support and guidance to make this happen.”
Tina, Connie’s Companion Care
With the local Catalysts’ help, Tina has now set up her own community enterprise offering care and support for older and disabled people. Tina’s Nan was a huge influence in her life and was her rock for many years. Tina felt it fitting to name her enterprise after her – Connie.
Connie’s Companion Care can help with:
“I know how hard it can be to let a carer into your life; I want to support you, not do things for you or take your independence away.”
Tina, Connie’s Companion Care
Covering: Ashford, Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham and surrounding areas
Recognising a need in her local community and having a passion to help others, Yvonne wanted to offer flexible support, assisting and enhancing the lives of local adults.
Yvonne reached out to Community Catalysts when she heard about the free help and support they could offer. The local Community Catalyst worked closely with Yvonne to get everything together to enable her to set up her community enterprise in a way that is safe and legal.
“[The local Community Catalyst] has been a shining light of guidance and support. This development programme has enabled me to cover all aspects of compliance which gives me the reassurance and confidence to move forward with my new enterprise. I am extremely grateful for the support of Community Catalysts.”
Yvonne, Sparkle Companions
Yvonne can help with:
“Sparkle Companions was born out of a want to help others and the opportunity to be able to make a true difference to someone’s day.”
Yvonne, Sparkle Companions
Covering: Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Thanet and surrounding areas